Police warning after 90-year-old man is targeted by distraction burglars

Police are urging people to be vigilant after distraction burglars stole cash from a 90-year-old man.

A man walked into a house in The City, in Woodville, Swadlincote, and spoke to the victim about garden work at a nearby property.

The victim was led outside, where the offender pointed into a neighbouring garden and spoke about improvements before leaving a short time later.

Cash was later discovered to have gone missing from the victim’s wallet.

A witness spotted two men acting suspiciously in the area and walking down the side of the victim’s house around the time of the offence.

They were white, aged in their 20s, and wore dark padded jackets, hats and trainers.

The incident, which took place at about 10.30am on Monday, April 28, has prompted police to warn members of the public to be aware of the dangers of distraction burglary.

Crime prevention advice includes:

Consider installing a door chain and make sure you keep your home secure.

Do not open your door to anyone who calls without warning, no matter what excuses they give. Genuine callers will not call unannounced – they will arrange an appointment or give written notice about work taking place.

Check the identification of any callers and, if they claim to represent a company or utility, call that company and check if they have cold callers in the area.

Do not be tempted to leave your house with a caller, even if it is just for a minute and into your garden.

If a cold caller is persistent or makes you feel concerned or uncomfortable, call police immediately.

Witnesses or anyone with information on the distraction burglary should call Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.